Mortgage lenders are trusting people, but they won’t lend you money unless they’re happy the property you are buying is worth it. They’ll want a professional valuation and most will put you in touch with surveyors they already have a relationship with, although it is also possible to choose your own firm to do the work. There are different types of survey ranging from a mortgage valuation to a full building survey. A mortgage valuation is not designed to give structural information relating to the property, but merely to act as a guideline for mortgage providers when deciding if they want to lend on the property.

If you’re remortgaging or moving into a new building this may be all that is required, but for more adventurous types thinking of doing some renovations to the property, a fuller survey is likely to be money well spent. It may also be that the building is an older one whose history you are unsure about and a full survey will provide welcome peace of mind. Whether you need to understand the regulations around listed buildings, possible planning permission issues, or conservation area regulations your surveyor will be able to provide you with all the information you need so don’t be afraid to call on his expertise and ask.

Move Angels’ Quick summary

• Do you need a full survey or will a basic mortgage valuation do. Depending on the type, age and history of property, refusing to pay for a full survey could turn nasty and end up being false economy.
• Check out if your surveyor is professionally registered – the following letters after their name will tell you – MRICS, Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or FRICS – Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.